Diner is a new stop for hungry Hamiltonians

HAMILTON — Hungry customers gathered around Mayor Kelly A. Yaede, members of the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce and diner owner Haydar Teoman yesterday as they cut the ceremonial ribbon on the New Hamilton Diner and Restaurant on Nottingham Way.

Formerly the Golden Gate and Peter Pan diners, the building took on a new name, new staff and a new menu when it opened on May 6.

After buying it in March, Teoman worked diligently to create the perfect atmosphere and menu before opening.

“It was quite the project,” general manager Alexander Thoman said.

The diner had been closed since Hurricane Sandy, which caused a great deal of damage. During repairs, the diner also got a facelift, with changes in the seating and the addition of chandeliers and other features that the staff hopes will bring the building back to “the former glory and prosperity it once enjoyed,” Thoman said.

Renovations aside, most diner-goers will say the most important aspect is the food.

An extensive menu, including everything from pot roast to pancakes, as well as daily specials, ensures that no customer leaves hungry. According to the diner’s Facebook page, it has “the best sauté dishes around.” Thoman said there are regulars who come in day after day to work their way down the list, trying each one.

The diner also offers free delivery to anyone within a 3.5-mile radius.

“If you think of delivery, what is there besides pizza and Chinese?” Thoman said, expressing hope that the diner might give people a new option.

“The menu features everything you would expect on a diner’s menu, the wide scope of everything known to man, except executed with fresh products at unprecedented quality,” Thoman said.

All dishes are made by the owner, who moved to the United States from Turkey in 1991 and dove headfirst into the restaurant business at a diner in Virginia. He continued to build his résumé as he moved from kitchen to kitchen, becoming the executive chef for the Cornucopia Cruise lines and a chef in Hillsborough’s Star Diner, and then settling down and opening the New Hamilton Diner and Restaurant.